In 2010, the LTBB was awarded $196,148 for the Bear River Watershed Habitat Restoration Project for FY 2011-2013 under the Habitat and Wildlife Protection and Restoration focus area. The GLRI Bear River Project has 3 main goals:

Improve 1,000 linear feet of shoreline/riverbank.

Provide erosion control along at least 250 linear feet of shoreline/riverbank.

Provide invasive species control on at least 10 acres within the watershed.

Results:

In 2011, staff from LTBB and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council teamed up to do a comprehensive survey of the entire shoreline of Walloon Lake and the Bear River surveyed for greenbelts, erosion, and invasive species. The survey was used to help prioritize restoration projects for the grant. Restoration projects will include greenbelt/shoreline/riverfront improvements through native plantings, shoreline turf grass reduction or conversion, no-mow agreements, erosion control and invasive species removal using physical, chemical, and biological control methods.

We also provided educational workshops on greenbelts and invasive species in 2012 for landowners within the watershed. An invasive species management plan for the watershed has been drafted and will be updated as necessary throughout the grant with the final plan to be submitted at completion of the grant.

2013 Projects:

Erosion: We will be working with several landowners on erosion control projects along the Bear River.

Work with several landowners on Walloon Lake to restore shorelines using bio-engineering methods.

Volunteer projects: Bear River Recreation Area garlic mustard pulls, purple loosestrife Galerucella beetle collection and release along the Bear River, buckthorn removal, Japanese knotweed outreach to City of Petoskey/Bear River residents.

* If you would like to volunteer to help out with any of our invasive species projects please contact Jackie Pilette at (231) 242-1684 or by email at: jpilette@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov.